Cuban authorities announced the expansion of the "Jardines del Rey" International Airport in Ciego de Ávila, regarded as the third most important in Cuba, contrasting with the declining numbers of incoming foreign visitors, which have yet to reach pre-pandemic levels.
The government-affiliated Canal Caribe published new images highlighting the expansion of passenger areas and improvements in infrastructure. According to the report, 160 tons of centralized air conditioning have been installed, VIP lounges have been expanded to enhance both capacity and comfort for passengers, and new escalators and elevators have been installed. Furthermore, the improvements will allow for the operation of larger aircraft such as the Boeing 737-300, which can accommodate nearly 500 passengers.
Directors of the sector highlighted that the airport recorded over 3,100 aircraft movements in 2024 and a flow of arrivals and departures close to 610,000 passengers.
However, these numbers still do not approach pre-pandemic figures. Authorities from the Ministry of Tourism assert that the terminal is key to the arrival of tourists from markets such as Canada, Russia, Argentina, and Portugal, heading to tourist hotspots like Cayo Coco, Cayo Guillermo, and Cayo Cruz.
The project, which is being carried out in a context of economic crisis and resource scarcity, aims to enhance the operational capacity and modernize the facilities to attract international airlines.
Nevertheless, the demand for flights to Cuba remains low due to factors such as the lack of incentives for tourism, travel restrictions imposed by the United States, and the precarious state of tourist services in the country.
For example, the Swiss airline Edelweiss Air has suspended its flights to Cuba starting this March, primarily affecting the route between Zurich and Havana. The decision was based on the challenges of ensuring stable operations at Havana Airport and the decrease in passenger demand.
Also, the German airline Condor has announced that it will cease all its operations to Cuba starting in May 2025, thereby eliminating the only direct air connection between Germany and the Caribbean island.
This decision will affect destinations such as Havana, Varadero, and Holguín, which currently receive regular flights from Cóndor. The measure is in response to a decrease in passenger demand and growing issues with local infrastructure in Cuba, including power outages and shortages, which have negatively impacted the travel experience and the airline's operations.
Recent data indicates that tourism in Cuba has experienced a significant decline compared to other Caribbean destinations. While countries like the Dominican Republic and Mexico have managed to recover and even exceed their pre-pandemic figures, the island continues to lag in attracting visitors.
In the first three months of 2025, tourism in Cuba plummeted by 30%, according to recently published official data. This decline places the island in its third worst season in recent history.
Knowing this information, the Cuban government insists that investments in infrastructure are necessary for economic recovery and the development of the tourism sector. However, many citizens question the priority of these projects at a time when the country is facing a deep crisis of shortages, blackouts, and devaluation of the Cuban peso.
As the airport expansion progresses, doubts remain about whether the measure will succeed in encouraging the arrival of tourists or whether, on the contrary, it will turn into yet another underutilized project in the already battered Cuban economic landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Expansion of "Jardines del Rey" International Airport and the Tourism Crisis in Cuba
Why is the "Jardines del Rey" International Airport in Cuba being expanded?
Despite the decline in tourism, Cuban authorities have decided to expand the "Jardines del Rey" International Airport to enhance operational capacity and modernize the facilities. This expansion aims to attract international airlines and facilitate the arrival of tourists to destinations such as Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo.
How is the tourism crisis affecting the Cuban economy?
The tourist crisis has had a significant impact on the Cuban economy, as tourism is one of the country's main sources of income. The drop in tourist arrivals and the decrease in demand have severely affected the sector's revenue.
What are the main challenges facing tourism in Cuba?
Tourism in Cuba faces significant challenges, including infrastructure issues such as blackouts and fuel shortages, as well as increasing competition from other Caribbean destinations. Additionally, the lack of economic diversification and poor management have worsened the situation.
Which airlines have recently stopped operating flights to Cuba?
Several airlines have ceased operating flights to Cuba, including Edelweiss Air and Cóndor, due to low demand and operational issues. These cancellations reflect the decline in Cuba's air connectivity, negatively impacting the tourism sector.
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